The Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced that phase 1 of the Justice Connectivity Project has been completed with 14 of its permanent offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) linked via Digital Service Line (DSL).

"This multi-year project addresses the organization's need for internet-driven services to enhance   communication and improve reporting systems. It will drive transparency and promote good governance in the DOJ over time," said Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima.

The connectivity will also allow DOJ lawyers, especially prosecutors, access to online materials including recent legal developments. It addresses the basic need for reliable and fast internet connection in offices. Currently, each office provides for its own connection that results in gaps in information flows and impedes collaboration.

"Internet connectivity will improve efficiency, reduce costs and close the digital divide between private and government operations," said Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy and Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the DOJ.

Phase 2 is underway with Regions 3 and 4 prosecution offices for connection in the month of September. Nationwide connectivity is expected to be finished before the end of 2013.

The move to connect all prosecution offices is in preparation for the implementation of a Complaint-Case Information System (CCIS) as a major component of the National Justice Information System (NJIS), an information exchange platform among justice sector agencies, a priority project of the Aquino Administration under the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Cluster (GGAC).

The DOJ's 2010-2016 Development Agenda lists the use of information and communications technology (ICT) to advance and transform the administration of the criminal justice system.